POCATELLO, Idaho -- The sour economy and plummeting real-estate values are hampering efforts to raise money for a proposed $37 million livestock and dairy research center near Twin Falls.
In 2007, proponents of the University of Idaho-run center had hoped it could be operating by 2008 or 2009.
But the dairy industry has raised just $800,000 of its promised $5 million contribution.
Meanwhile, the UI's plan to sell state land in Caldwell where its Caine Veterinary Teaching and Research Center is located to help raise $20 million has hit a snag because land values have declined precipitously.
Livestock industry officials remain optimistic the Idaho Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies will be built, calling it a critical component of their plans to conform to stricter environmental standards that govern big feedlots.
